Head Start Program Assistant

Head Start Program Assistant

Summary

This position is a full time (10 months/year) position based at the Jonesboro Head Start in Jonesboro, Illinois.  It does come with a benefit package (including personal and sick time accrual, health and life insurance, and an employer-sponsored cafeteria plan). This position's duties vary upon the needs of the center but could involve any and all of the following: working with a child (or children) with special needs, assisting in the classroom, working in the kitchen, custodial, and/or office, or riding a Head Start bus as a bus monitor.

Essential Functions

1. Encourages and assists children in all personal and hygiene activities. If assigned to a specific child assists with any special medical and or feeding issues as well.
2. Maintains the responsibility for ensuring the safety of child assigned to him/her in the event of a safety evacuation and/or drill.
3. Works cooperatively with the Teacher and other staff using the team approach to classroom management.
4. Maintains a modified appropriate daily schedule for child assigned to him/her but is flexible based upon needs of the child or children.
5. Incorporates goals written in the IEP or IFPS into the daily routine. Attends therapy session (s) with assigned child as appropriate to learn different techniques to assist the child with meeting their individual goals.
6. Participates in IEP/IFSP meetings when appropriate.
7. Rides Head Start bus as assigned and follows all safety rules and policies and procedures.
8. Observes each child daily to assess skills, interests, and needs and uses this information to facilitate learning and growth.
9. Assures that all children are supervised at all times.
10. Participates in family style meals and snacks at table with children.
11. Responsible for developing a partnership with parents and caregivers in the Head Start program and encourages each parent/caregiver to take in active role in their child's Head Start experience.
12. Provides assistance in the kitchen as needed with items such as dishes and preparing and serving meals.
13. Provides assistance in cleaning the center as needed with items such as vacuuming, sweeping, mopping, and cleaning bathrooms.
14. Provides assistance in the office as needed with items such as copying newsletters, filing, and answering the phone and taking messages.
15. Participates in staff meetings, center activities, and staff development.
16. Maintains child, family, and employee confidentiality.
17. Participates in the federal and annual program review.
18. Responsible for recruitment of Head Start eligible children, in coordination with other Head Start staff, for enrollment into the Head Start program.
19. Responsible for carrying out best practices for safety procedures concerning children, staff, families, and community individuals and for assessing current practices and finding ways and areas needing improvement.
20. Responsible for participating in activities and attitudes that promote positive public relations and positive image for the program and agency.
21. Complies and is familiar with the requirements of the policies and procedures adopted by Southern Seven Health Department as required by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
22. Reports potential problems and concerns to Site Supervisor.

Training Component

• Participates in continuing education and staff development through seminars, conferences, or workshops at personal or departmental expenses as deemed appropriate by the Supervisor.

Qualifications

1. Education, Training, and Experience
   1. High school diploma or GED equivalent
   2. Must be 18 years of age
   3. Prefer some experience working with children
2. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
   1. Must have effective oral and written communication skills.
   2. Effectively supervise children
   3. Basic Computer Skills
3. Certification and Other Requirements
   1. Required: DCFS background check/Criminal check; DCFS physical; Mandated Reporter; DCFS licensing courses; and CPR/First Aide
   2. Recommended: Hepatitis B Vaccine and Head Start Teacher Aide Qualified
4. Physical Requirements
   1. Strength: Lift/carry up to 40 pounds on occasion and up to 20 pounds frequently.
   2. Movement:
      • Routine: Sit, walk or stand for prolonged periods of time.
      • Lift horizontally and vertically, bend and stoop, push/pull, twist, carry, crouch, squat, kneel, and reach above shoulder level.
      • Hear and understand speech at normal room levels and on the telephone.
      • Occasional: Use near visual acuity to review both written documents and text on computer monitor. Operate a telephone, keyboard and mouse. Climb and crawl
   3. Blood Borne Pathogen: Occasional Occupational Exposure.

Location

Base location will be Jonesboro Head Start.

Salary Range

Starting off $15.30 to $16.87an hour

Southern Seven Health Department is an "Equal Opportunity Employer/Vet/Disabled"

Salary : $15 - $17